Top 10 Anime Demons

“Blue Exorcist” (2011)
You know you’re having an exceptionally bad day when you find out you’re the son of Satan. Raised by a humans in a religious household, Rin’s life literally went to hell when dear old Dad paid him a visit. This lead to the death of his foster parent and set him on the path to becoming an Exorcist so he may one day get his revenge on his father. Despite his demonic heritage, Rin has a kind heart and formed a strong group of friends in his time at True Cross Academy, but don’t let that fool you, when he unsheathes that sword of his you are in for a world of hurt. Blue has never been so threatening.

“High School DxD” (2012-15)
When you think of devils, chances are the image of a horned beast coated in flames come to mind. Not in this high school, where the free-roaming denizens of hell are as voluptuous as can be. The head of the Occult Club, Rias is certainly no weakling, as her Power of Destruction more than proves. She is most notably the master of formerly deceased student Issei, who she resurrected as a devil to act as her servant, and eventually becoming his primary love interest. Word of advice their Issei, do not break her heart. You do not want to die a second time via disintegration.

“Slayers” franchise (1995-2009)
Demons are typically mischievous who harm as much as they help, and Xellos is no exception. As the sole servant of one of the Greater Beasts, Xellos has powers well beyond that of ordinary beings, evident when he managed to wipe out a whole clan of dragons in a single breath. Despite being such a threat, Xellos has been known to occasionally assist our hero Miss Lina and The Others of his own accord. Known as the Trickster Priest for his mischievous nature, there’s no doubt that he’ll annoy you to no end, but if you try to square up to him, expect a swift and thorough ass-whooping.

“The Devil is a Part Timer!” (2013)
Has there ever been a more hilarious concept than the Prince of Darkness working at a fast food restaurant? After escaping to modern day Tokyo, Satan takes on a human guise and makes a living as an Assistant Shift Manager in order to get by. While he isn’t without his hellish powers, which often flare up when surrounded the despair of others, he slowly begins to use them for good. Through his conflicts with the beautiful hero Emi, fellow demons, archangels and angry customers, you’ll find yourself oddly warming up to the King of Hell. Awkward.

“Naruto” franchise (2002-)
From the get-go it was made pretty clear that this massive beast was not to be messed with. Imprisoned inside our titular hero since birth, the strongest of the Tailed Beasts served as both a passive antagonist as well as a secondary source of power for Naruto to tap into. The results of which could be devastating when the fox took control of the ninja’s body for himself. The later series only proved just how destructive it could be when both demon and shinobi joined forces, resulting in some of the most out of this world ninjutsu you will ever see.

“Fairy Tail” (2009-16)
As if this guy didn’t have an impressive enough resume, he can add actual demon to the list right beside Dragon Slayer and overall badass. A mage of the Fairy Tail Guild, Natsu has always been a defender of the weak, even if he’s not exactly the brightest bulb and a bit of a hothead to boot. Later on in the series it’s revealed that he is actually an Etherious, a demon created by the villainous Zeref to serve as his greatest weapon. Raised by a dragon, well versed in Dragon Slayer Magic, the brother of the most evil mage to have ever have lived as well as having demonic origins? The folks in Earth-land must relieved that he’s on their side.

“Berserk” (1996-98)
Do you like your demons vicious, bloodthirsty and scary as all hell? Then say hello to Zodd the Immortal! An Apostle that endlessly wanders battlefield in search of a worthy opponents, he’s killed more than his fair share over the centuries. His size and brute strength are normally enough to tear through most humans he encounters, save for Guts who just barely manages to wound him. Of course the hulking mass of muscle is just a visage for his true form, which is all together terrifying and something that not even the 100-Man Slayer and General Griffith combined can stand up to. Bottom line, do not mess with Zodd

“Yu Yu Hakasho” (1992-94)
Don’t let his size fool you, this resident of the Demon World can slice you apart six ways from Sunday. While originally thinking very little of humanity before his meeting with Yusuke Urameshi, his initial defeat lead to him and his suave companion Kurama joining up with the Spirit Detective against all manner of otherworldly enemies. While he learned to tolerate humans, Hiei is no less merciless when it comes to battle. Aside from his impressive sword skills, his control over the Dragon of the Darkness Flame and his true form will most certainly leave lasting impressions of pain should you cross him.

“Black Butler” series (2008-14)
There is no doubt that he is one hell of a butler. After making a pact with young Ciel Phantomhive in exchange for his soul, this demon takes the form of the perfect English gentleman whose skill range encompasses practically everything under the sun. Loyal to his young master in all his pursuits, Sebastian will not only make you the best cup of tea you have ever had, but he will also take out an entire room of hired guns with nothing but kitchen-wear. Even angels fall to the devilish talents of this butler, so as long as you are on your best behaviour he’ll be utterly charming. If not? Ask Ashe.

Before we reveal our number one pick here are a few demonic honourable mentions.

Calcifer
“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2005)

Dabura
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Chrono
“Chrono Crusade” (2003-04)

“Inuyasha” (2000-10)
Every dog has his day, and this hybrid of human and yokai certainly got his. After being freed from his bonds by Kagome, Inuyasha joined her on his quest to gather the lost shards of the legendary Shikon Jewel. Originally wanted nothing more than to find the jewel and use its power to turn himself into a full-fledged demon, his journey with his comrades and developing affection for Kagome eventually convinced him otherwise. Watching him finally settle in his own skin and find happiness despite his origins is wholly satisfying, of course watching him battle against the villainous Naraku doesn’t hurt either.

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